1

When a disaster strikes, the Canadian Red Cross quickly mobilizes to meet people’s basic needs: shelter, food, clothing, registration and so on. But there’s another aspect of the Red Cross response that’s perhaps not as well-known, but is equally important to the people impacted by the disaster:  our work to support psychosocial wellbeing in times of crisis and through the long recovery phase after disasters.

Recently the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Bangladesh received much needed hygiene kits, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The kits were distributed to people in Hakimpara Camp, Bangladesh. 

Every year, hundreds of snowmobilers lose their lives in accidents that could have been prevented by taking a few basic safety precautions. Again this year, there have been more tragic incidents involving snowmobiling.

Every year, hundreds of people are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 
Last winter, 49 people were hospitalized and two people died due to carbon monoxide poisoning following the ice storm in New Brunswick. 

A tsunami warning was issued overnight for people living in coastal regions of British Columbia following a strong earthquake off the coast of Alaska. Fortunately, the warning was later lifted with no damage was reported. However, it did spark renewed interest in how to best prepare for tsunamis and what to do in case of a tsunami warning.

​In winter, fires are already more likely to occur, but a recent cold snap resulted in an increase in responses, largely due to the use of space heaters and wood stoves. Throw candles, dry trees, and kitchen fires into the mix and you get an explosive cocktail.
 

I live in the countryside where power outage happens quite often, especially in wintertime. I love to have friends and family over; actually this house is made to throw dinner parties! So when I invite people over, I don’t want an annoying power outage to force me to cancel at the last minute! Here are a few tips for an unforgettable party without power. 

In Haiti, Cliford Monfort has helped to respond to disasters including the 2010 earthquake, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and most recently Hurricane Irma in 2017.